Interdisciplinary Predoctoral Training in Molecular Biophysics - Enter the text here that is the new abstract information for your application. This section must be no longer than 30 lines of text. This new proposal seeks continuing support for a proven and thriving T32 Molecular Biophysics Predoctoral Training Program at the University of Colorado, Boulder (CU), in its 19th year at the time of submission in May, 2021. The goal of the Biophysics Training Program is to provide exceptional training to a strong cohort of promising trainees, thereby preparing them for impactful research careers at the interface of Biology, Chemistry, Engineering and Physics – or for a broad range of other careers. The 39 training faculty include internationally recognized established investigators and rising young stars from 5 PhD-granting departments. These faculty and their students use state-of-the-art biophysical approaches to elucidate fundamental aspects of macromolecular structure, dynamics, mechanism, and regulation in systems ranging from single molecules to live cells, with direct relevance to human health. Biophysics is one of the core areas of research on the Boulder campus. Of the 39 training faculty, 22 were hired since the program began. The Biophysics Training Program has been a key driving force behind this growth. The training program, jointly supported by NIH and CU Boulder funds, has established a thriving biophysical community with extensive collaborations and joint publications between biophysicists in different laboratories and departments. Moreover, the program provides highly robust, innovative training for predoctoral students of biophysics, ensuring they receive a broad, interdisciplinary foundation needed for current and future success. This enhanced program plan combines successful features of the existing program with new elements designed to further increase program impact while preparing students to effectively navigate the constantly evolving modern workforce. Trainees focus on their home PhD program in year 1, then are appointed as Biophysics trainees in years 2-3 of graduate studies. Required program elements include core Biophysics courses and training in Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) and Rigor and Reproducibility (R&R). An array of other program activities, many newly added, provide training in critical thinking, self-efficacy, technical expertise, sound scientific method, professional skills, teamwork, and leadership experience. The Biophysics trainees, faculty, courses and other program elements are regularly assessed to enable both timely recognition of excellence and rapid response to arising challenges. Strong outcomes indicate that the program is highly effective, as demonstrated by 1) recruitment of high quality students and faculty, 2) strong trainee publication, graduation, and career placement rates, 3) extensive inter-laboratory collaborations, and 4) training innovations.
